Midland softball blanks HHS

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ONA -- Prior to Thursday's game against Huntington High, each of the three Cabell Midland softball seniors had their letters read over the loudspeaker.

The introduction of Morgan Kelley's said that she always knew she would dread the day that she walked on the field for her Senior Day because of what it meant about her time with the Knights.

However, after Thursday's performance, Kelley might reconsider that sentiment. She finished with five RBIs, including a three-run home run in the five-run second inning as Cabell Midland made short work of their Senior Day with a 10-0 win over Huntington High.

"There was a little bit of pressure today because in the past, we've had a reputation for not playing well on Senior Night," Kelley said. "This year, it was different because we all stepped up and played well. You know you aren't going to be back next year, so you want to leave it all on the field one last time."

The Knights set the tone early in the game as the first five batters reached base with RBI singles by Jordan Colliflower and Kelley opening the scoring before the Knights also got run-scoring groundouts from Alyssa Koontz and Mandi King, who made her return to the lineup after a hand injury.

The 4-0 cushion was plenty for Kyla Shull, who got out of a first-inning jam and cruised over the final two innings to pick up the win.

However, the Knights weren't done offensively.

After a Colliflower single scored Makayla Waugh, Kelley extended on a pitch down in the zone and roped a three-run blast onto the mound in center field to push the lead to 8-0.

"It's always a good feeling to hit one -- especially on Senior Day," Kelley said. "It makes it a bit more memorable."

Colliflower and senior Morgan Zerkle each finished 3-for-3 on the day while senior Jenny Brumfield also reached base twice in the win.

For Kelley, Zerkle and Brumfield -- the team's three seniors -- this season is about finishing business.

All three have seen extensive action since their freshman seasons and in each season, the Knights have been ranked in the top three or four Class AAA teams in the state.

Still, this senior class has yet to make it to Vienna for the state tournament -- something they hope to change this year.

The three seniors have led the way at the plate for the Knights, who feature one of the state's top scoring teams.

And if Cabell Midland is to advance to the state tournament as the Class AAA, Region IV representative, those seniors will be the ones to lead them there.